Chapter 460

“Claire, we have never done anything to truly wrong you. Sure, maybe you still resent how I ignored you when you were little, but your grandmother was always good to you p>

“You’re not seriously going to turn your back on us after everything, are you p>

Hearing Octavia say something like that made it pretty obvious. She was genuinely scared that Claire and Lance would become a thing.

“What are you even talking about? Whatever has happened between us, believe me, I’m just not interested in Lance at all p>

“Whatever he does is his own business. Maybe you should talk to him, if you’re so worried. I’m swamped with schoolwork. There’s absolutely no way I’d let some guy distract me p>

“So whatever problem you think exists… really, it doesn’t p>

Octavia looked a little taken aback by how blunt Claire was, and deep down, she had to admit Cindy was right. Claire had zero interest in her son. They had grown up together; Claire always treated Lance like a big brother. As for Lance? Just thinking about it made Octavia fume.

She knew Latham had his own thoughts too, probably because Claire owned Hearth & Kettle. But she just couldn’t believe that marrying Claire would solve anything. “Earlier you said you’re taking the college entrance exams, meaning you won’t need your early admission spot. Would you be willing to give it to Cindy p>

Octavia switched gears effortlessly. Coming here today was all about testing Claire’s attitude. As long as Claire wasn’t interested in Lance, whatever scheme her son was plotting would go nowhere. Over the years, she’d figured out one thing: her son would never be able to control this adopted daughter.

“Why should I give it to her p>

“Can she even pass the requirements p>

Claire looked straight at her, expression unreadable.

“If you actually needed the early admission, Claire, I’d never ask you to give it to Cindy,” Octavia said, her tone cooling. “But you don’t need it. Cindy could use it. Why can’t you just let her have it p>

“You’ve been with the James family for eighteen years p>

There it was again. Claire had heard that line one too many times.

She cut her, off, “Yes, it’s true, I’ve

ет

been with your family for eighteen years. So how much do you think

thats worth? Why no

just tell me

the total now and fil pay you backg

“This isn’t about money,” Octavia snapped, clearly annoyed with Claire’s attitude.

“Oh, please. Don’t tell me you think you actually gave me any motherly love.” Claire couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

Octavia’s face flushed.

“Besides, who mixed us up in the first place? If you want to talk responsibility, none of that was my fault. I was a baby. How could I have had anything to do with it p>

“I know the James family was good to me, and yes, I’m grateful. But seriously, does giving Cindy my early admission spot even follow any rules p>

When it was Clear Claire wasn’t budging, Octavia pushed her chair back with a scowl. She thought for sure Claire would apologize, but instead Claire just sat there cool as ever, tossing off sarcastic

comments.

“Octavia,” Claire said, almost sounding bored, “Here’s some real advice. Let Cindy wait a year, take the college entrance exams next year p>

“She’s not dumb. She studies hard for another year and she’ll get into a good school for sure p>

Octavia was fuming now. This was just Claire insulting Cindy’s grades and practically cursing her to fail!

“When did you turn so spiteful?” Octavia shot back, voice shaking with anger.

Claire pointed at herself, totally stunned. “Me? Spiteful p>

She was honestly trying to help, but apparently that made her the villain. Was there no logic left in the world?

Octavia stormed out without another word. It was clear she’d never get the

admission spot from Claire. She needed to find another way.

The only other person she could think of was Pandora.

Even the thought of visiting Pandora made her nervous. The woman’s presence was just too intimidating. Still for Cindy’s sake she had to go. She did really have a choice